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Test Kitchen Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Purple Carrot

Culinary Innovation Manager: Ready-to-Eat

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Comfortable working in both a test kitchen and at manufacturing facilities. * Proficient in Google ... Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects, priorities, timelines, and stakeholders in a ...

New

Purple Carrot

Culinary Innovation Manager: Ready-to-Eat

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Comfortable working in both a test kitchen and at manufacturing facilities. * Proficient in Google ... Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects, priorities, timelines, and stakeholders in a ...

New

Purple Carrot

Culinary Innovation Manager: Ready-to-Eat

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Comfortable working in both a test kitchen and at manufacturing facilities. * Proficient in Google ... Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects, priorities, timelines, and stakeholders in a ...

New

Robert Half

Administrative Assistant

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

The ideal candidate brings strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage ... Maintain test kitchen preparedness by receiving shipments, organizing products, and keeping ...

Boar's Head Brand

Culinary Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$147K/yr

Maintain strategic accountability for all product development and research, including management and scheduling of test kitchen facilities in collaboration with PF Operations Managers. * Develop in ...

Air Culinaire Worldwide

Cook

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

All other duties as assigned by the Kitchen Manager / Executive Chef REQUIREMENTS High school ... Drug Test * E-Verify *We are a promote-from-within company and top performers can achieve career ...

Boar's Head Brand

Culinary Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$147K/yr

Maintain strategic accountability for all product development and research, including management and scheduling of test kitchen facilities in collaboration with PF Operations Managers. * Develop in ...

Simple Mills

R&D/QA Lab Technician

Chicago, IL

$19.50 - $26/hr

... Managers * Prepare, test, and evaluate food and ingredient samples using established methods and ... Prior experience in the CPG (consumer packaged goods) food industry or culinary/kitchen ...

Simple Mills

R&D/QA Lab Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

... Managers * Prepare, test, and evaluate food and ingredient samples using established methods and ... Prior experience in the CPG (consumer packaged goods) food industry or culinary/kitchen ...

Simple Mills

R&D/QA Lab Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

... Managers * Prepare, test, and evaluate food and ingredient samples using established methods and ... Prior experience in the CPG (consumer packaged goods) food industry or culinary/kitchen ...

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All JobsTest Kitchen JobsTest Kitchen Manager JobsTest Kitchen Manager Jobs in Illinois

Test Kitchen Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$25.7K

$105.7K

$165.2K

How much do test kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for test kitchen manager in Illinois is $105,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a test kitchen manager?

A Test Kitchen Manager oversees the operations of a test kitchen, which is a facility used to develop, test, and refine recipes and food products before they are released to the public or used commercially. They manage recipe testing, coordinate kitchen staff, maintain equipment, and ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality. Test Kitchen Managers often work for food companies, magazines, or culinary institutions, playing a key role in food innovation and quality assurance.

What is the difference between Test Kitchen Manager vs Test Kitchen Assistant?

AspectTest Kitchen ManagerTest Kitchen Assistant
CredentialsRelevant culinary certifications, management experienceBasic culinary knowledge, entry-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeads test kitchen operations, oversees staffSupports test kitchen activities, assists chefs
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, culinary testing labsFood product companies, culinary testing teams
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles in culinary testingCompared for entry-level support roles

The Test Kitchen Manager oversees the entire culinary testing process, manages staff, and ensures quality standards. The Test Kitchen Assistant supports the manager by assisting with food preparation, testing, and administrative tasks. The manager role requires more experience and credentials, while the assistant role is more entry-level and supportive.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a test kitchen manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Test Kitchen Manager, you need expertise in culinary techniques, recipe development, food safety standards, and typically a culinary degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and HACCP certification are commonly required. Strong organizational skills, creativity, and effective team leadership are critical soft skills for managing kitchen operations and fostering innovation. These skills ensure the efficient development of high-quality food products, adherence to safety standards, and successful collaboration within culinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by test kitchen managers and how can they be addressed?

Test Kitchen Managers often face challenges such as coordinating diverse teams, managing tight deadlines for recipe development, and ensuring food safety compliance. Balancing creativity with strict budget and time constraints requires strong organizational skills and clear communication. Building strong relationships with chefs, food scientists, and marketing teams helps streamline the workflow and troubleshoot issues more efficiently. Staying updated on industry trends and continuously refining processes can also help mitigate these challenges and contribute to a successful test kitchen environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Test Kitchen jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Test Kitchen jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Test Kitchen Manager jobs in Illinois? For Test Kitchen Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Test Kitchen Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Test Kitchen Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Test Kitchen Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Test Kitchen Manager job openings:
Test Kitchen Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Kitchen Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,730 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Kitchen Manager - Dixon, IL

Consolidated Management Company

Rock Island, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Kitchen Manager - Lee County Jail

Full-Time
Some Holidays amp; Weekends Required

About Us

Consolidated Management is a food service management company with over 50 years of experience, currently operating in 10 states. We specialize in delivering customized food service programs tailored to each client and location.

Our team members represent our company with integrity, honesty, and a commitment to outstanding service. At Consolidated Management, customer service is an attitude—not a department. We are large enough to do the job right, yet small enough to truly value and support our team members with the same respect we show our clients.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Food Service Director to oversee daily food service operations. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring high-quality meal production, maintaining strong client relationships, and upholding all safety and sanitation standards.

The Food Service Director will play a key role in managing the operation, leading the team, and delivering an exceptional dining experience.

Key Responsibilities
  • Oversee daily kitchen operations, including meal preparation and service
  • Cook and ensure consistent quality of meals
  • Manage inventory and order food and supplies
  • Lead, train, and develop team members
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships
  • Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation standards
  • Monitor operational efficiency and maintain high service standards
Minimum Qualifications
  • Prior management experience in the food service industry required
  • Strong leadership and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently and lead a team
  • Must be able to pass a drug test and background check
What We Offer
  • Competitive pay
  • Great work environment
  • Company-paid Life Insurance
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and additional coverage options (Accident, Cancer, Short-Term amp; Long-Term Disability)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Bonus opportunities
  • 401(k) plan
Equal Opportunity Employer

Consolidated Management is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/AA/M/F/D/V). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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